A United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper is a highly trained marksmen who was selected to be part of one of the most elite platoons in the military. Just 44 percent of those who attend Scout Sniper training will graduate, and their curriculum is one of the most intense in the military.
In a new video posted to YouTube, Scout Snipers are seen going through their first two weeks of training. The clips show trainees participating in a number of difficult physical fitness activities and firing some of the deadliest rifles in the military’s arsenal.
United States Marines participate in the first two weeks of their Scout Sniper Training on the road to becoming USMC Scout Snipers MOS 0317. (Foxtrot Alpha/YouTube)
The first part of the video features the trainees running, lifting ammo boxes above their heads and competing in a number of different obstacle courses.
Check out the entire video below:
The intense physical training is nothing new for the cadets, but the high expectations of Scout Sniper training means that the tasks are likely more difficult than what they have experienced in Infantry School.
The men are timed as they haul ammo boxes across a field, drag their classmates to a safe zone and even carry other men on their shoulders.
United States Marines participate in the first two weeks of their Scout Sniper Training on the road to becoming USMC Scout Snipers MOS 0317. (Foxtrot Alpha/YouTube)
Following their physical fitness tests, the trainees then begin training in the field learning how to measure targets and ultimately fire sniper rifles.
“Today, we’re shooting at 100, 300, 500 and 600 yard lines,” says one of the trainees.
The men line up to take their shots as they learn the ins and outs of firing sniper rifles effectively.
“If you put 100% in, you’re going to get a lot out. It’s a lot of trigger time. We’re here with great instructors who are able to answer any questions we have,” the trainee explains.
United States Marines participate in the first two weeks of their Scout Sniper Training on the road to becoming USMC Scout Snipers MOS 0317. (Foxtrot Alpha/YouTube)
“It really greatly enhances our shooting skills and our marksmanship skills,” another trainees says of Scout Sniper training. “It goes over all the fundamentals, and it goes over all the small things that matter with scout snipers. They train us in all the little things that help the big picture.”
Currently, the USMC has between 150 and 300 active Marine Scout Snipers.
